Shopping for children's clothes sounds fun in theory but, in reality, it can be a real pain. Dragging reluctant children around the shops is, well, not really a fun activity for anyone but then online shopping can be time-consuming, as well as venturing into the unknown. How do you know if you'll be getting good quality clothes which will fit properly? See what I mean? A minefield.
Amaia Arrieta founded her own eponymous label after she moved to London and noticed a lack of chic options for children. A mother of three, she knows only too well had difficult shopping for children can be. 'When you become a mum you suddenly discover this new whole world with so many brands and so many options, it can be a bit daunting in the beginning to be honest,' she says. 'Rely on friends and family that have already been there and done that for the first round, until you find the style and the brands you like on your little one.
'These days it is quite easy and quick [to find things you like] through Google shopping, social media, influencers and Pinterest, where the boards can be a true source of inspiration. For me, it was all about finding timeless well-made pieces that would look nice anywhere we went. Pieces that were easy to mix and match with anything they had in their wardrobe and were also comfortable for them to wear and had a good quality-price ratio. I would privilege quality over quantity to be honest.'
Similarly, Sophie Mirman, founded of Trotters says: 'Great clothes for children should be great quality and design. At Trotters, all our clothes are made in Portugal or Spain, in small family run factories. We always insist on the best possible quality of materials and also of fabrication – natural fabrics are more comfortable for children to wear – ensuring that many of the clothes can be passed down the generations. We believe in dressing children as children and not as mini adults.'
As any parent knows, however, finding clothes which work for every single day – which also won't cost a fortune given the rate at which children grow – is not as easy as you'd think.
So, we've done the hard work for you, consulting all kinds of parents to determine exactly where you can find the best children's clothes to fit every age, brand and occasion. Whether you just need to stock up on vests, your child needs a new waterproof coat or you're in desperate need of something smart for them to wear to a wedding, we've picked the best pieces out there.
As Lauren Holleyoake, publisher of Grazia says: 'I find that shopping online is my saviour – it's literally made for kids. The only drawback is the returns but I order a tonne of stuff, do the try-on and get the approval from my daughter (she is a very strong-willed five year-old!), all from the comfort of home. It's so much easier and this way, I get to control the balance of sequins and cartoon characters...!'
Don't waste time scrolling – let us be your guide to the best children's clothes and use the time you've saved to do something much more fun.
Shop: The Best Children's Clothes 2024
www.trotters.co.uk
With high-quality fabrics and attention to details, Trotters has some of the loveliest children's clothes on the market. This dress is perfect for summer, from playing outside to going on holiday.
www.arket.com
For spring and summer 2024, Arket has some really lovely linen pieces for children, like this striped blouse. Ideal for holidays or warmer days when they're running around and need to keep cool.
| Size range | Ages 2-10 |
| Fit | Oversized |
| Machine washable? | Yes |
www.arket.com
These trousers are great for everyday. Available in blue or beige stripes, they have an elasticated waistband making them really easy to pull on.
| Size range | Ages 2-10 |
| Fit | Regular |
| Machine washable? | Yes |
www.johnlewis.com
John Lewis has one of the largest kidswear ranges on the high street – and it's packed with everything you might need at really affordable prices. These jeans are great – they're less than £20, stylish and available from 3-14 years.
| Size range | Ages 3-14 |
| Fit | Regular |
| Machine washable? | Yes – but do not tumble dry |
www.zara.com
Ideal for summer days or a special occasion, this dress has pretty embroidery and a bow-tie detail at the back. If you're not already a fan of Zara's kidswear, Anna Silverman, Grazia's features editor says it's the one place she relies on: 'A lot of my daughter’s clothes are hand-me-downs from cousins and the Zara outfits are always my favourite and still going strong by the time they reach us, despite it being their second time around. So when I do need to replenish her wardrobe Zara is often the first place I go. The girls’ range manages to be unbearably cute while also being stylish enough that I wish they made it in my size. If you don’t mind the occasional matchy moment then it’s easy to do at Zara.'
| Size range | Ages 1.5-6 |
| Fit | Comes up smaller |
| Machine washable? | Yes |
www.selfridges.com
Hattie Brett, editor of Grazia says: 'Mini Rodini is where I head when I'm buying kidswear as gifts. The quirky prints appeal to parents, otherwise faced with a sea of pink/blue/twee sets, and make bigger kids feel they've got something 'grown up', too. This brand also really holds its value, if you want to sell it on Vinted.' This slogan tee is available for children from 18 months right up to 9 years.
| Size range | Ages 18 months-9 years |
| Fit | Relaxed |
| Machine washable? | Yes |
www.boden.co.uk
Boden has a really great, colourful and practical selection of outerwear for children like this tulip print anorak. It's lined with jersey to keep them warm and has a hand-me-down label, too, with room for more than just one name.
| Size range | Ages 2-12 |
| Fit | Regular |
| Machine washable? | Yes |
www.mytheresa.com
Everything from Bonpoint is of excellent quality but many parents we asked said the shoes, in particular, are really great. These boots are super cute and will be practical, too. Plus, they can wear them with everything from jeans to skirts and dresses.
| Size range | EU 24-36 |
| Fit | Regular |
amaialondon.com
The brand loved by the Princess of Wales, Amaia makes beautiful pieces catering to newborn babies up to eight years. These dungarees are also available in pink and are made responsibly in Spain.
| Size range | Ages 4 to 8 |
| Fit | Regular |
| Machine washable? | Yes |
www2.hm.com
There's a reason why H&M's kidswear often sells out – it looks far more expensive than it is, but is still practical, durable and super-stylish. This dress is a prime example; available in yellow or black, the smocked detail is lovely but you can still bung it in your usual wash.
| Size range | Ages 1.5-10 |
| Fit | Regular |
| Machine washable? | Yes |
shop.mango.com
Mango also has a great range of kidswear, from swimming costumes to everyday essentials. This striped jumper is made of 100% cotton, so is really soft and will last for ages.
| Size range | Ages 5-14 |
| Fit | Regular |
| Machine washable? | Yes |
www.marksandspencer.com
As with most things from M&S, the children's clothing is reliably affordable and of a good quality. There are some sweet designs, too, like this crochet top with daisy details.
| Size range | Ages 2-8 |
| Fit | Regular |
| Machine washable? | Yes |
www.lacoquetakids.com
La Coqueta has one of the loveliest collection of clothes for kids. From flower girl outfits to beautifully-made shoes and everyday pieces like shorts, T-shirts and casual dresses, it's really worth scrolling through this varied selection of high quality children's wear. This shirt is available in six different colours, made from soft cotton.
| Size range | Ages 2-10 |
| Fit | Regular (although if your child is between sizes, the brand suggests sizing up) |
| Machine washable? | Yes, on a delicate wash cycle. Or hand wash. |
www.matalan.co.uk
For great everyday clothes, Matalan is a brilliant option. This bomber jacket is currently on sale, so is less than £10.
| Size range | Ages 1-7 |
| Fit | Regular |
| Machine washable? | Yes |
What are the best materials for kids' clothes?
Arrieta says: 'Always look for 100% natural fibres, cotton, linen, any kind of wool in the winter. The better the quality of the fabric, the better it will wash and the longer it will last. Kids clothes have to be washed every time they wear it so the quality of the fabric is paramount. If you want them to last a bit and specially to still look nice even if you have already washed them 100 times, make sure they are natural fabrics. Even the stains wash much easier from natural fibers and you can always pass the clothes onto the next one!'
Which brand is best for kids' clothing?
Depending on what you're looking for, there are many brands which are great for children's clothes. If you're looking for everyday essentials that won't break the bank, supermarket brands like Tu at Sainsbury's, F&F at Tesco, Nutmeg at Morrisons and George at Asda can be great for basics like leggings, vests, underwear and simple tops. Ditto H&M, Next, Zara Kids and M&S, which all have slightly more variety than you might find on the supermarket shelves.
If you're looking for high quality on the high street which will last a bit longer, The White Company and Boden are two excellent options. The latter is especially good for variety – you can find everything from waterproof coats to smarter outfits for weddings. For more casual clothes that are still high on quality, Whistles, Arket and Reissare brilliant. Hattie Brett, editor of Grazia, loves Arket in particular: 'For kidswear on the high street, I think you're hard-pressed to find better quality than Arket. The cotton basics are lovely, soft and thick, plus wash brilliantly. And they come in plain neutrals I sometimes struggle to find elsewhere in kidswear. Extra bonus: the way the label has a list of names who've owned the piece, encouraging you to hand these down to siblings, cousins and friends.'
Designer-wise, you'll find some of the best children's clothes from Stella McCartney, The Row Kids (if you're willing to pay the hefty prices) and Rejina Pyo, who has created a wonderful line for children. There's also a few independent labels worth noting, as they create some beautiful pieces that you'll want to hand on to friends and family when your own children have grown out of them: Amaia is one (also loved by the Princess of Wales), as is Pepa London, La Coqueta and Trotters.
Vinted is also a great source of children's clothing. You can search by category or use the search bar to look for something specific, and you'll find a huge selection of really lovely pre-loved items. It can be a great way to save money on your kids' clothes while also shopping in a slightly more sustainable way.
Where can you find the best children's shoes?
On the high street, Schuh and Clarks come highly recommended by multiple parents we consulted. If you're looking for something specific, we've found all the best children's school shoes, as well as the best kids' trainers, too.